First
unveiled in 1948, the Vincent Black Shadow had a 998cc air-cooled OHC
engine that produced about 55bhp at 5,700rpm. This was enough to deliver
a top speed of 125 mph. In 1948 this was the World’s Fastest Production
Motorcycle. The bike was designed by Phil Irving. The Vincent had a reputation
that it could go faster than you could ride it. I would imagine that to
be true considering the braking systems that motorcycles used in those
years. The motorcycle world paid special attention to this black metal
beast.

The
Black Shadow also did away with the traditional tubular frame. The powerful
motor and four-speed gearbox became the bike’s backbone, connecting
the steering head and rear-sub-frame together. The rear end was equipped
with cantilevered suspension to deliver a remarkably smooth and responsive
ride for the time..